“The hospital is the only Catholic university hospital in the Chinese-speaking society" said the president of the university.

Taiwan’s Vice President Chen Chien-jen and Vatican delegation attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital. (Photo

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – After years of preparation and construction, the Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital held an opening ceremony on Friday morning, with Taiwan’s Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) and a Vatican delegation invited to cut the ribbon.

Nevertheless, the hospital will not be providing services to the public until October 2 except for the food court, and the soft opening is scheduled for October 9.

Chen said the hospital would become the embodiment of medical care among other hospitals in Taiwan.

“I hope the hospital will cherish the life of every patient, and I would like to ask the hospital staff to take good care of themselves, for their health is the best insurance on patients’ health and safety,” added Chen.

“The hospital is the only Catholic university hospital in the Chinese-speaking society, and it will make a distinction from all the other hospitals in Taiwan by catering to the needs of patients,” said Chiang Han-Sun (江漢聲), president of the university and head of the preparatory team of the hospital.

The food court on the B1-floor of the hospital is currently managed by one of the branches of I-Mei Foods Co., Ltd. Agi Chan (詹成吉), general manager of the branch, said the company had aimed at building a relaxing and soothing dining environment for the hospital staff, patients and their family.

"Apart from maintaining I-Mei’s guiding principles of being dedicated to health, food safety, and hygiene, we also bear the special needs of patients in mind and thus we offer meals with low sugar, fat, and salt," added Chan.

The hospital is located in the Taishan District of New Taipei City. It is reported to have spent over a decade in preparation, including fundraising, and four years in construction.

The hospital will include 30 medical departments and nearly 300 clinics, according to the hospital's website. It said it would be dedicated to providing services to the local community.

Aligning with the statement mentioned above, Chu said in an earlier speech that local people had been looking forward to the opening of the hospital.

"I believe the hospital will provide the best services and strive to become a medical center in the future," said Chu.